And why is everyone talking about it?
TikTok is full of dances, dogs, duets… and merch. But what is merch, really? Is it just stuff with someone’s name on it? Or is there more going on behind the scenes?
Let’s break it down in plain terms—and maybe laugh a little while we’re at it.
Merch, Explained Like You’re Five
What Is “Merch,” Anyway?
“Merch” is short for merchandise. It’s stuff you can buy. Like shirts, hats, hoodies, socks—whatever. Usually, it has a logo or design related to a person, brand, or idea.
On TikTok, merch often means something made by a creator for their fans. It’s how creators turn followers into customers.
So if someone’s favorite TikToker drops a hoodie with a catchphrase like “No Bones Day”, that’s merch. And yes, people will line up online to get it.
Is Merch Just for Big Creators?
Nope! Anyone can make merch. If you’ve got an audience—even a small one—you can design and sell custom stuff. Actually, sometimes smaller creators have tighter communities, and their merch means even more to their followers. This is another way for creators to generate profit from content creation.
Quick Example
Let’s say a teen makes funny videos about frogs. And they always say “Ribbit Happens.” People start quoting it. Suddenly, boom—they drop a T-shirt with a cartoon frog and the catchphrase. That’s merch, and that’s how a niche becomes a brand.
Why Is Merch So Popular on TikTok?
It Feels Personal
Fans don’t just buy merch because it’s cool (though, that helps). They buy it because it feels like being part of something. Like they belong to a little club only TikTok knows about.
It’s not just a shirt. It’s “that shirt from that video I loved.” And when people wear it? It sparks conversations.
“Oh, you follow her too?!”
“Yep. Been watching since she had like 200 followers.”
Suddenly, merch becomes a way to connect.
It Helps Creators Make Money
TikTok doesn’t pay creators that much through views. So merch? It’s a game changer. It’s a way to make real income without needing a million followers.
Creators can set up a small online shop and sell direct to fans. Bonus: platforms like Shopify or print-on-demand sites make it easy. You don’t need to own a warehouse—or even keep inventory.
Real Talk: It’s Also About the Brand
As weird as it sounds, even small TikTokers are brands now. Merch helps creators grow that brand into something visual. If their content is funny, heartfelt, chaotic, or clever—the merch reflects that vibe.
What Kinds of Merch Work on TikTok?
Trends That Stick (Literally and Figuratively)
TikTok loves visual stuff. So naturally, merch that looks good on camera tends to do better. Here are a few things that really work:
- Custom hats – Easy to show off in a video
- Enamel pins – Small, collectible, and cute
- Patches – For backpacks, jackets, even jeans
- Graphic tees – Still the king of creator merch
- Stickers – Cheap, fun, and surprisingly viral
Oh—and bonus points if the merch is tied to an inside joke or catchphrase. That kind of stuff spreads fast.
DIY vs. Professional Merch
Some creators make their merch by hand. Which is cool, but can get tricky fast (hello, shipping nightmare). Others work with companies like—ahem—The Monterey Company to design pro-level custom merch that’s built to last.
We help brands big and small create everything from embroidered hats to custom PVC patches, so yeah, we know a thing or two about standing out. When selecting a custom merch manufacturer, look for someone with years of experience and great reviews. We suggest a company like The Monterey Company, they can do everything from hats, and T-shirts to 3D bottle opener keychains, and customize croc charms. Is there products they have produced all over Tik-Tok.
Print-on-Demand Platform vs Buying in Bulk
Choosing between a print-on-demand platform and buying merch in bulk is a big decision for TikTok creators. Print-on-demand lets you design and sell custom products without upfront costs or inventory—perfect for testing new ideas or smaller audiences. Buying in bulk usually means lower cost per item and more control over quality, but it requires a bigger investment and storage space. Think about your TikTok following, budget, and merch goals before deciding which method fits your creator journey best.
How to Start Selling Merch on TikTok
Step One: Know Your Audience
Think about what your followers like. What colors they wear. What jokes they repeat. What kind of vibe they connect with.
Do they love cute, cozy stuff? Go with soft sweatshirts.
Are they into streetwear? Maybe try bold trucker hats or enamel pins.
More outdoorsy? Try hiking medallions or rugged iron-on patches.
Step Two: Design Something Fun
Even a simple phrase with a cool font can work. But you can also go big—custom logos, illustrations, even 3D patches. And if you’re not a designer, no worries. Plenty of companies (hi again) can help turn your ideas into real merch. Some even have fully automated customizers on their website or access to their graphic designers.
Don’t Overthink It
Really. Sometimes the first idea is the one people love most.
Why This Matters (More Than You Think)
It’s Not Just a T-Shirt
When a TikToker sells merch, they’re building something bigger. A brand. A business. A little world where people can feel seen.
Plus, merch lives on outside the screen. It goes to school. To concerts. To the coffee shop. And every time someone wears it? It’s free promotion.
Honestly, it’s kind of brilliant.
Final Thoughts: Merch Is More Than Merch
It’s funny how a word like “merch” can sound so basic. But on TikTok? It means connection, creativity, and maybe even a career.
Whether you’re a creator with a huge following or someone just starting out, merch is your chance to bring your content to life—and put it in someone’s hands (or on their head, or chest, or water bottle).
And if you’re ready to make it official, well… that’s where The Monterey Company comes in.
We help creators of all sizes turn their ideas into real, high-quality custom merch that fans actually want to wear.
No fluff. Just cool stuff.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
